My first stand-up lesson

A couple of hours ago I had my first stand-up lesson with Dawn Whitwell. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect since I had only seen the results of a previous class at their graduation show.

There were eleven of us in all, I think. A few performers, some people who worked in the business but not performing (a copy writer, an ex-props mistress, a producer) and some people not connected with the entertainment industry at all.

After the introductions we all had to tell a story – it didn’t have to be funny, just a story. I told the precis version of how my husband and I got together. I chose it because it kind of informs all the stuff that has happened to me over the last eight years and a lot of what I’m doing now. I think there’s a lot of material in being the Protestant English girl who moves to Toronto to keep kosher. It’s a long story, but since I’m writing a lot about it right now maybe I’ll publish an excerpt on this blog…

Anyhow, after the stories we watched three different stand-ups – Eddie Izzard, Demetri Martin and Louis CK. The first two I know – Eddie Izzard I absolutely love and Demetri Martin I know from the Jon Stewart show. Louis CK I never saw before and actually thought was the funniest. I have to see more of this guy’s stuff – having checked out his website I need to know more.

This week’s homework is to take a pad and a pen everywhere and write down stuff that’s funny. As Dawn says, it’s counter-intuitive – you have to practice. But I’ve been doing it with my husband for a long time now, so hopefully I’ll remember to do it for me instead of him.

I’m scared I’ll get addicted to stand-up like Dawn and let everything else drop away. But maybe I’m just craving the instant gratification… Whatever – I’m really glad I’m doing this course.

Related posts:

1. One whole year of stand-up!
2. Loving the writing process
3. I’m doing a stand-up course!
4. More Stand-Up!
5. Stand-up Showdown!